Shawn H. Phillips's Blog Copyright (C) 2018 Goodreads Inc. All rights reserved. https://www.goodreads.com/ Shawn H. Phillips's Blog en-US Wed, 23 May 2018 00:31:51 -0700 60 Shawn H. Phillips's Blog https://www.goodreads.com/ 144 41 https://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16834738-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war Tue, 22 May 2018 22:20:50 -0700 Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16834738-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war Well, it's been a crazy month, and I found myself traveling to Japan, Washington DC and a couple other places. Japan was absolutely beautiful, and DC was hot, humid and storming every day (however, we don't get much of that in the California desert, so I enjoyed it).

While I was away, the redheadedbooklover did a review of Darkened Demigod AND....gave it five stars! Check it out at https://wp.me/p9ghAg-3Ej

Take care and good night,Shawn

posted by Shawn H. Phillips on May, 23 https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16765793-darkened-demigod-alien-arsenal Sun, 06 May 2018 22:15:37 -0700 Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16765793-darkened-demigod-alien-arsenal Spent an incredible week in Japan, traveling all the way down to the small island of Tanegashima. To say it was beautiful would be an understatement.

And to top it off, I did hit my goal of 20 pages of writing for the week. In fact, I'm nearly at 30 pages for Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal.

Hint: There's a new alien race in the mix, which wasn't added just for fun. They fit in the story from the first book, but will add a new dimension of foreboding.

posted by Shawn H. Phillips on May, 13 https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16681323-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war Tue, 17 Apr 2018 22:26:15 -0700 Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16681323-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war I will continue to do more giveaways for Darkened Demigod; but will also be advertising in other ways. My next plan is do take on some of the book fairs in Southern California and a few blog tours. If you have any to recommend, let me know.

Also, next week will be a big writing week for me. I have a goal of over twenty pages by the end of week. May not seem like a lot to some folks, but with a 60 hr/week job and a great family life, it is a big challenge. The focus will be on Darkened Demigod: Alien Arsenal (well, that's the name for now but may trying another subtitle).

Have also been writing another novel titled, Second Rebirth. A sci-fi/fantasy thriller capturing the powers of a second life by an alien entity. One with another purpose for humankind.

Yes, I do wish writing was a full-time job, but I still love my day job.

posted by Shawn H. Phillips on May, 08 https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16517569-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war Mon, 12 Mar 2018 19:46:59 -0700 Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16517569-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war Advertisement on Bookgoodies was fun to do, as they ask a number of good questions.

posted by Shawn H. Phillips on May, 08 https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16509508-family-life Sat, 10 Mar 2018 19:15:39 -0800 Family Life https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16509508-family-life My 16-year old had an English assignment where each group had to do a marketing video over the weekend. When I went to pick him up, one of his friends (whom I never met) was waiting at the curb with him. I stepped out of the car, walked around the car and up to the kid. I introduced myself as his coolest parent and gave him the peace sign.

It's one sure way that your teenager won't speak to you for a while.

posted by Shawn H. Phillips on May, 09 https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16509507-friend-recommendations-the-best-marketing-of-all Sat, 10 Mar 2018 19:12:17 -0800 Friend Recommendations: The Best Marketing of All https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16509507-friend-recommendations-the-best-marketing-of-all I just received an awesome e-mail from a reviewer of Darkened Demigod. She liked the book so much that she is using it in a friend/family book club, and even has long-distance friends who may also be interested in doing reviews. I'll be giving free hardcopies/ebooks to those that will do a review.

I truly appreciate recommendations to friends/families from Goodreads reviewers. I'm thinking this summer I should do a Kindle giveaway for the reviewer who 'spreads the word' the most about Darkened Demigod (hmm...probably should say 'in a good way).

Wanted to share this exchange with Susan, a Goodreads Giveaway winner.

Me: As the author, I still am in shock on how good the reviews have been. The challenge of integrating science fiction, fantasy and post-apocalyptic (hate spelling that word) together in one novel, was daunting. However, it appears Goodread reviewers are soaking it up.But what about the reflections of past demigods within the novel? Interesting, exciting? Worth an offshoot novella?

Susan: Yes - I think this book opens the door for several other storylines. I would of course like to know what happens in this new era (ie, a sequel). But I am curious as to the development of the other demigods. I actually was drawn more to the demigod storyline than the alien/space invasion angle as the demigods exemplify human characteristics that are so prevalent today.

First, I have to say thanks for the words in your review. Masterfully articulated, and you hit two areas that I worked hard on incorporating while also trying to blend it into the story. The use of single words that are incredibly powerful and Bookworm's purpose.

Second, thanks for posting on Amazon!

But I saved the best for last, and it has to do with the part that drew you in. The demigod storylines let my passion and creativity flow forth like I've never felt when writing. For each one I wanted to expand even more, not stopping until a novella was created. But it wouldn't have worked within the main story.

I'm working on the storyline for the sequel, and am almost done...except for one part. Whether to or how to bring in those demigods. Well, I know how to bring them in, but how to bring in their stories and the embodiment of human characteristics in more depth...and could I even make that work? I even debated creating an addendum/novella that gives the history of the demigod battles, focused more on their rise and fall than on another gory battle scene.

What do you think?

posted by Shawn H. Phillips on May, 07 https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16477179-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war Sat, 03 Mar 2018 15:33:43 -0800 Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16477179-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war The reviews (13 on Goodreads and 10 on Amazon) have simply blown me away with an average about 4.6 out of 5 stars. I have enjoyed what the reviewers are saying (both good and bad) and am dying for more.

However, out of the 170 folks who won copies of Darkened Demigod, it looks like many aren't set to read it for a long time. I'm entering everyone who posts a review on Amazon by March 15th (yes, both good and bad) a chance to win a $100, $50 and one one of 10 $10 Amazon gift cards.

It may not be enough simply because people have a lot of great books ahead of mine.

But if you want to read it and post a review, then shoot me a message and I'll send a copy to you.

Best wishes,Shawn (sycdphillips@gmail.com)

posted by Shawn H. Phillips on May, 16 https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16425207-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war Tue, 20 Feb 2018 22:38:12 -0800 Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16425207-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war More reviews are starting to come in for Darkened Demigod. 4 & 5 stars so far, and also working for reviewers to post on Amazon. Will be doing a Amazon Gift Card Giveaway (12 of them) to be randomly chosen from all Amazon reviews of the book by March 15, 2018.

Looking for more sci-fi/fantasy avenues for reviewers and for readers. More searching the internet tonight.

posted by Shawn H. Phillips on May, 08 https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16412749-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war Sat, 17 Feb 2018 20:18:21 -0800 Darkened Demigod: Weapon of War https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/16412749-darkened-demigod-weapon-of-war First review on Amazon and first two reviews on Goodreads have come in. Amazon review from a Goodreads giveaway winner was 5/5 stars! Best thing was that the reviewer had two excellent critiques in addition to discussing what he enjoyed.

The Goodreads reviews included this same person but another that gave it 4/5 starts.

The surprise for all is that on March 15th all reviewers (yes, both good and bad reviews), will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card and ten $10 Amazon gift cards. I did this last time as a thanks for reviewers of Indie Author works.